UnionsWA has welcomed the announcement by the McGowan Government of widespread reductions in TAFE fees to support job skills training in many key areas.

Meredith Hammat, Secretary UnionsWA said:

“TAFE fee rises under the previous Liberal Government saw dramatic falls in TAFE enrolments across WA directly contributing to weakening our economy through skill shortages.

“The widespread, priority reductions in TAFE fees announced under the ‘lower fees, local skills’ policy by the McGowan Government is a welcome reversal of that earlier disastrous policy.

“Job training through TAFE is an important pathway for many, but it is too easily discouraged by debt for training, particularly if it does not deliver higher wages in the future.

“Broadening our economic and skills base is essential if Western Australians are to be better equipped to respond to the highs, lows and uncertainties of the international economy.”